Bible Study Online Article

In the last article, we'd learned that Isaac had reached a point from within his life -- where he was beginning to reflect more, when it came to the things, that had concerned him most -- as he'd entered the final stages of life.

For the Sacred Record informs us, that he was now 137 years of age, which was the same age, that his older brother Ishmael was -- when he had passed away:

"Altogether, Ishmael lived a hundred and thirty-seven years. He breathed his last and died, and he was gathered to his people." -- Genesis 25:17

We also learned, that Isaac is planning on bailing out Esau with some type of special blessing?

Remember that Esau had traded (given) his birthright away to his brother Jacob, for a bowl of.

Esau had done this on a day, when he had returned home, from one of his long hunting campaigns:

"Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. He said to Jacob, 'Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I'm famished!' (That is why he was also called Edom.)" -- Genesis 25:29,30

However that may have been, keep in mind, that this "special blessing" that I'm referring to -- could be, in fact, an end around move by Isaac -- in order to get past God, in regards to Esau's mistake? But more on this later.

Nonetheless, we move forward. And it's at this time, that the Sacred Record reveals -- that Isaac begins his end-around-process, by sending Esau out on a special errand. Now it would also be at this time, that Isaac would let Esau know, that there's a special blessing that he wants to speak into his life:

"I am now an old man and don't know the day of my death. Now then, get your weapons -- your quiver (sword) and bow, and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me. Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die." -- Genesis 27:2-4

But there's one thing that had came to my mind, when I'd first entered into the scene, that had taken place between these two men? For I had found myself wondering, if Isaac really knew -- that Esau had foolishly traded away his birthright, for a bowl of red lentil stew? Remember that the Abrahamic Covenant is a divine promise, that was made by God, to Abraham and his seed:

"Stay in this land for a while, and I will be with you and will bless you. For to you and your descendants I will give all these lands, and will confirm the oath I swore to your father Abraham. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on will be blessed, because Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws." -- (Genesis 26:3-5)

Also know, that this is what Esau had traded away, in one weak moment of hunger. But you know, personally -- I think that Esau had saw his inheritance, only in a natural sense? And because of this, I like to think -- that Esau's vision and understanding of things, were severely limited. Especially, when it came to what he would actually inherit from his father, if he would have held on to his birthright.

Now remember, that when Esau had traded away his birthright -- know that the land that he was going to inherit, was experiencing a severe famine at the time. So to Esau, one could easily see how his inheritance, wouldn't have seemed like much to him at the time. Be that as it may, know that things would change in a big way for Isaac's household, after Esau had traded away his birthright. And because of this, it's very well possible, that Esau was now second-guessing his foolish decision?

This could also be the reason, why he was hanging around his father a lot more, as Isaac entered his final stages of his life. Now I personally believe, that Isaac did know, that Esau had done this foolish thing -- when it came to his birthright. And it could also be for this reason, that since Isaac now feels, that his time on this earth was coming to a close -- he would try one last ditch-effort, in order to get Esau back under the Abrahamic Covenant.

Now keep in mind, that this is a crucial move on Isaac's part? For you must know, that the notion that he has given himself over to -- deals with him willing to try an end-around-move, when it comes to him trying to out maneuver God -- in regards to the destinies, that the Lord had already planned out for the two boys:

"Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older [Esau] will serve the younger [Jacob]." -- (Genesis 25:23)

Now understand, that the reason why I keep pressing the issue -- when it comes to Isaac actually knowing, what Esau had done, when it came to his birthright? Deals with the fact, that if this was the case (in which I do think) -- this clearly shows us, how we can be blinded by our emotions and feelings. Especially when it comes to those, who we hold true and near, from within our hearts and minds.

And because of this, oftentimes -- we allow ourselves to be blinded, to what we know to be right, and because of this -- more times than not, we allow ourselves to be lead down a wrongful-path. Understand, that these are also the type of situations, that could lead us into very dangerous traps and snares -- that are designed to land us, in a very compromising position. A position, that could constantly place us, against God's will and plan. Know that these are the types of emotional decisions, that will constantly pit us against God, which in turn, will bring us no rewards.

Now I personally believe, that this is how Isaac was led into making the decisions, that he had decided to make -- when it came to Esau. Not necessarily trying to defy God on purpose, but trying to save his son from the awful mistakes, that he'd kept making. Know that Isaac was a good man, who at this point in his life -- was blinded by his emotions and feelings, when it came to his son Esau.

For we must also remember -- that his emotions and feelings, weren't the only things, in which he was blinded by? For it was also at this time, that Isaac's natural eyesight, was very weak as well. And because of this, it made it extremely hard for him, to be able to see clearly with his natural eyes. Now personally, I hold the viewpoint -- that this is a condition, that God had allowed Isaac to endure at this time in his life.

And although most would disagree -- I truly believe that God had allowed this to happen to Isaac, in order to keep him from making a terrible mistake against Him (more on this, in the next article). For the Lord knew, that Isaac would be easily led by his emotions and feelings -- when it came to Esau, the son that he had loved, with all his heart.

Nonetheless, we move forward...

Now normally when we get to this part of the recorded account, most would jump immediately to Rebekah and Jacob. And it's also at this time, that most would begin to talk about, how Isaac was deceived by the two. But what I want to point out, is that Rebekah and Jacob, wasn't the only one's -- who were found to be at fault, when it came to this situation with Esau?

Now I will touch more on this later, and hopefully -- things will become clearer, as we continue to explore the Sacred Record, a little bit deeper. For I will continue to point out, that Isaac himself, is very much at fault -- since he's planning an end-around-move, in an effort, to try and out maneuver God -- when it comes to the future, of his son Esau.

Understand that this was the first move by Isaac, that resulted in Rebekah's counter reaction? In the next article, we'll explore that reaction in greater detail. We'll also take a look, at how she would involve her favorite son Jacob. But for now, when it comes to Isaac -- know that God already has checkmate, my friend.

God Creates the Earth

The Sons of God - The Daughters of Men

The Introduction of Abraham

The Birth of Isaac

**YOUR CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES - WOULD BE HERE**

Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty

Jacob - Wrestles with God

Joseph the Favorite Son

Joseph the Overseer of Egypt

The Unveiling of Joseph

28) The Twelve Rulers of Ishmael

29) The Birth of Esau & Jacob

30) Esau & Jacob - The Birthright

31) Isaac and the Canaan Famine

32) Isaac Lied About Rebekah

33) The Envious King Abimelech

34) The Battle of the Wells

Added to Page: 34) Abimelech & Isaac Makes An Oath

35) Esau the Rebellious

36) Esau the Favorite Son

37) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE->

38) Rebekah's Reaction

39) Jacob - Loyalty or Deception

40) Deceitful Hearts

41) Esau the Son of War

42) Esau's Heart of Vengeance

43) Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty